NATIONAL Express is resuming its service following its controversial withdrawl in September.

The service will now be stopping at St Catherine's park and ride car park at Bar End, from Friday.

The company had stopped its service to the city, saying the Broadway drop-off point was too narrow for its new larger vehicles.

That sparked a major backlash from travellers many of whom had their plans disrupted at short notice. It meant the nearest stop was at Southampton University.

The local authorities sought to retain the service and offered National Express alternative locations.

A National Express spokesman said today: "We will be resuming National Express coach services to Winchester, stopping at St Catherine's Park and Ride as of this Friday, November 19. We have been working closely with Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council to make this possible.

"Our event services will also continue to stop at Worthy Lane Coach Park, as many of these serve Winchester at times when the Park and Ride bus service has stopped operating.

"We are grateful to both councils for working with us to find a solution."

Cllr Martin Tod, cabinet member for economic recovery at the city council, said today: “It’s great to have National Express coaches back in Winchester.

"It’s been a big team effort to find a safe solution for National Express’s new six-wheeled coaches. I’m particularly grateful to the city council officers who quickly made the necessary changes at the Park and Ride to make this possible.”